Airline staff strike:can you claim compensation?
A strike by the airline’s own staff is not automatically an extraordinary circumstance. A cancellation or long delay may lead to compensation of €250, €400 or €600, in addition to care.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility always depends on the precise facts and the rules applicable to the case.
An internal airline strike may qualify for compensation
Where the action directly involves the airline’s own staff, it is often linked to the normal operation of the business and does not by itself remove compensation rights.
Scope, final arrival delay, cancellation notice and the measures actually taken still need to be checked.
Compensation of up to €600 may apply
Where the applicable conditions are met, the fixed amount mainly depends on the flight distance.
These amounts are never automatic: notice, rerouting, cause and supporting evidence must all be checked.
An internal airline strike may qualify for compensation
Who was striking?
Identify whether pilots, cabin crew or other employees of the airline were involved.
What disruption occurred?
Keep proof of cancellation or final arrival delay.
When were you informed?
For a cancellation, record the exact date and time of notice.
What measures were taken?
Ask which concrete alternatives were considered to limit the disruption.
What you may request during the strike
Meals and refreshments
Care proportionate to the wait may still be required.
Hotel and transfers
Accommodation may be due if the replacement departure is the next day.
Rerouting
After cancellation, request comparable transport at the earliest opportunity.
Refund
You may choose reimbursement if you decide not to travel.
Internal and external strikes do not have the same effect
Action by airline employees differs from a strike by air traffic controllers or airport staff. The precise cause must therefore be identified.
Three questions to test the reason given
Who is on strike?
The employment link with the airline matters.
Which flight was affected?
The airline must connect the action to your particular disruption.
What measures were taken?
It should explain why reasonable alternatives did not avoid the problem.
Documents you should keep
Booking confirmation
Keep the ticket, flight number and complete itinerary.
Cancellation or delay notice
Save emails, text messages and notifications with their date.
Option offered
Capture the rerouting, refund or refusal communicated by the airline.
Actual times
Record departure and arrival times for any replacement journey.
Precise reason
Request a written explanation and evidence that can be checked.
Itemised receipts
Keep proof of necessary and reasonable expenses.
Your claim in four steps
Enter the flight
Add the flight number, date and complete itinerary.
Describe the disruption
State the times, notice period and reason given.
Attach evidence
Provide messages, booking documents and useful receipts.
Check your rights
The case is assessed before any action is taken.
Related pages to read
Frequently asked questions — Airline staff strike
Does a pilots’ strike qualify for compensation?
It may do if the other conditions are met, because an internal strike is not automatically extraordinary.
Can the airline simply write “strike”?
No. Ask who was striking, how your flight was affected and what measures were taken.
Do I retain care rights without compensation?
Yes. Care, refund or rerouting may still be due depending on the disruption.
How much could I claim?
Depending on distance and the applicable conditions, the fixed amount may be €250, €400 or €600.
Must I accept a voucher?
A voucher should not automatically replace a cash refund to which you are entitled.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep the booking, messages, actual times, reason given and receipts.
Could your flight qualify for compensation?
Enter your journey details for an initial assessment with no upfront fee.